Students At Complex Get Free Ice Cream, Words Of Motivation For Making First Ever Marking Period Honor Roll

ST. CROIX — It may have seemed trivial that hundreds of students who made the St. Croix Educational Complex’s first ever marking period honor roll, stood in line in the school’s auditorium on Friday waiting for their turn for a few scoops of ice cream. But the reward, along with some encouraging words from the school’s administration, actually accomplished its goal, according to students who spoke to The Consortium following the brief event.

The institution usually hosts its school-wide honor award ceremony event every March, where students who accumulate a GPA of 85 percent or better are recognized. “But that’s accumulative,” said SECHS Principal Genitta Richards. “The honor roll students might not necessarily fall in that category, so we just thought that they’ve worked hard and we just wanted to show them that we appreciate them and want them to continue to strive really hard in their classes everyday.”

Students said while the recognition was simple, the impact was positive and served as a motivation booster.

“When they said that they were giving us ice cream, I was like, ‘You get ice cream for being on honor roll?’ I was like wow!” said SECHS student 17-year-old Omari August. “And it felt good to actually get something instead of just a paper. I think if they do this more often, more people will want to be on the honor roll.”

“I feel like the little treat is a great motivation to people who didn’t make it. And although it’s just ice cream, if you really think about it, I think everybody needs an award for their accomplishments. It’s really a good thing, especially for the school,” 17-year-old student Deon St. Jules, said.

“I think the treat encourages not only me, but just students in general to be motivated and actually work hard in class,” said student Sparkle Mark. “And for those are on the honor roll now, to keep working hard and keep trying their best in class.”

Sparkle’s twin sister, Diamond Mark, said, “I think the treat is a good incentive for all students, both first-time honor roll comers as well as the regulars. It helps to keep you on track and encouraged. And most importantly, it feels good to know that the school wants to honor you.”

Approximately 251 students made the school’s first marking period honor roll. The ice cream was donated by Plaza Extra West.

Feature Image: School Principal Genitta Richards serves honor roll students ice cream.